Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar “Egay” Erice said that he will not participate in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House Committee on Justice.
During an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, Erice said he also does not intend to vote on the impeachment complaint once it reaches the House plenary, questioning what he described as limitations in the committee proceedings, including the inability of non-members to question witnesses.
“Hindi ako magpa-participate...Kasi sa tingin ko, 'yung proseso ng impeachment hindi naman 'yan para sa accountability,” Erice said.
He further criticized the proceedings, saying constitutional responsibilities are being applied selectively.
“Yung proseso ngayon, ang nagaganap ngayon, hindi para sa accountability. Yung proseso na nagaganap ngayon, hindi dahil 'yan ang constitutional mandate natin. Pagka ginagamit lang namin yung constitutional responsibility, pag pabor sa amin. Kung hindi pabor sa amin...hindi namin ginagampanan,” he said.
Erice also alleged that the impeachment process has been politically motivated and possibly pre-planned. He claimed it is being used as a political tool rather than a search for truth, and said government agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) were being politicized.
“Ang tingin ko, ito ay disenyo 'yung proseso ng impeachment ay matagal nang disenyo ng Marcos administration,” he said.
“Hindi ito naghahanap ng katotohanan. Nagtatahi-tahi ito ng patotoo kung kuno,” he said, describing the process as confusing and politically driven.
He also raised concerns about allegations involving Vice President Duterte’s alleged “bagman” Ramil Madriaga, saying he finds the claims questionable but is unable to raise questions in the committee as a non-member.
Erice said his decision is also based on his belief that the impeachment process has already been decided in terms of numbers in the House.
“Insignificant naman talaga yung boto ko kasi alam ko na mayroong numero. Ma-achieve yung numero para madala ito sa Senado. Kaya lang sabi ko nga, alam ko na flowed ‘yung proseso, alam ko na moro-moro ‘yung proseso. Ang purpose nito ay accountability, but partisan politics. Ayokong maging bahagi ito,” he said.
He warned that the alleged misuse of state institutions for political purposes could lead to a culture of "impunity" in the future.
Erice also reflected on past political experiences, saying he had previously been affected by political conflicts, including during the Duterte administration, and stressed that government processes should not be used for political persecution.
